Better Resolution Hillview Hawk
Hillview Middle School
A 21st Century Middle School
1100 Elder Avenue
Menlo Park, California 94025
(650) 326-4341
Erik Burmeister
Principal

Willy Haug
Assistant Principal

Debbie Devoto
Counselor

Robyn Watts
Counselor

Brian Darmanin
Activities Director

Danielle O'Brien
Activities Director

Chris Arrington
Psychologist

Cathy Garagozzo
Administrative Assistant

Linda Pebet
Administrative Assistant

Dear Hillview Parents and Guardians, 

 

The last week of school is upon us and Hillview is abuzz with end-of-year celebrations, routines and preparation. I have some important updates and information to share with you as we close the year and begin to think about next. 

 

Announcing New VP ... and More Hiring for HV
If you read the district's official update emailed this weekend, you know that English teacher and Co-Activities Director, Danielle O'Brien (formerly Danielle Ireland), was selected as Hillview's new Vice Principal joining the administrative team with Mr. Haug and me. Mrs. O'Brien's experience leading activities and her gift of developing positive relationships with students and parents make her an ideal candidate to lead school climate/culture, student discipline, student activities and more. Additionally, Theresa Fox, Hillview's co-librarian, was selected as the new Vice Principal at Laurel school; join me in congratulating Mrs. Fox. This means that Hillview will be adding to the number of positions to hire this year. We're excited that two more of our Hawks are spreading their wings and serving MPCSD in leadership positions. 

 

New Bell Schedule for 2014-15
After a year of experiencing the new bell schedule prototype and receiving important feedback from all stakeholder groups this spring, Hillview staff have made the decision to continue the modified block schedule with a few minor but important improvements. These improvements will affect pick-up schedules, please note the changes! Beginning in August, Hillview will implement a slightly modified bell schedule that takes the one hour of early release on Thursday and divides it evenly over both Wednesday and Thursday. The new schedule and the benefits of this change are posted on the Hillview website. Please know that bus transportation from both the district and SamTrans will will be adjusted to accommodate the change. 

 

Future of Mini-Courses
Part of the Hillview 3.0 redesign this year included the pilot of our first ever Mini-Course Week. This week, Hillview staff made the important and difficult decision regarding the future of the program. Certainly, Mini-Courses are easy to love; however, the tough demands of planning and executing such a week are real. It is my pleasure to announce that the Hillview staff voted this week to continue the program next year with some important tweaks designed to increase the program's sustainability over time. The M-C Planning Team will be meeting over the summer to begin planning. Mark your calendars now for next year's Mini-Course week: April 13 - 17, 2015. You'll notice that this week is about one month later in the year and the week before spring break. This change was made to support the students' transition back to the regular academic program upon their return from vacation. Stay tuned for more information over the course of the next year and look for opportunities to volunteer for Mini-Courses 2015!

 

Raging Waters Trip
It came to my attention late in the week that we were asking for money from sixth grade families for the trip to Raging Waters. The request was a result of miscommunication and I apologize. It has been our plan all along that the reward for Spirit Competition would be paid for via the sale of the ASB Cards that began this year. I have informed sixth grade teachers to no longer accept money for the Raging Waters trip and to return the checks or cash of all those who have already paid. If you gave your son or daughter money to pay for the Raging Waters trip, please request them to give you back the check or cash. You are always welcome to give donations to the ASB/Activities program, but that is never expected or requested outside of the sale of the ASB Cards and various other fundraising activities. Sorry for the confusion!

 

Hillview 1:1 Program Parent Survey
This year, Hillview went completely 1:1 with all students being issued iPads. Parents are crucial stakeholders in helping us celebrate our successes and address our challenges. We would love your feedback on how the program went from your perspective. Please complete an online survey that will give us great input on how we can improve this program next year and beyond.
 
8th Grade Graduation Week
This week, Hillview's 8th graders will enjoy many different activities celebrating their accomplishment. Please take a moment to remind your 8th grader of the importance of making good decisions this week and taking time to enjoy their final week. The last thing we want is for a student's last week to be tainted by misbehavior at Great America or being asked to change their clothes at the 8th Grade Grad Night because his or her clothes are not dress-code appropriate (YES ... even graduation and grad night clothes must follow the dress code). Thanks, in advance, for your help and support. For questions about any 8th grade activity, please contact 8th grade counselor, Deb Devoto

 

Thanks again for such a great year. We are so fortunate to share the Hillview experience.

Warm Regards,

Erik Burmeister Picture

  
 

 

Erik Burmeister
(a.k.a. Mr. B)
 
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